In this edition of Sneak Peek, we’ll be discussing the varied ensemble of films that makes up the Weinstein release calendar. Carrying a heavy load of independent movies – three of which were at Sundance this year – Weinstein may end up surprising us with their slate of movies.

Oct. 8th – Limited

Nowhere Boy – Focusing on the life of the legend John Lennon, Nowhere Boy covers the upraising of Lennon and his eventual rise to stardom with The Beatles. Beatles fans may be clamoring for this one, I’m not sure if they are because I’m not really that much of a Beatles fan. Nowhere Boy was one of the three films on this list that was at Sundance 2010, it’s the only one I didn’t see. You’re guess is as good as mine as to whether this movie will be what you’re looking for. If you’re a Beatles fanatic, then a biopic about one of the most legendary musicians to have ever lived may be the exact movie you’re looking for.

Oct. 29th

The Company Men – This movie premiered at Sundance, and I was fortunate enough to get to see it. I reviewed it for FILM.com and gave it a solid B+. It’s a film that will make you think about the recession that’s surrounding all of us. People get laid off. No one is safe, not even top executives. It doesn’t do as fantastic as a job as Up in the Air did with the problems of the current economic climate, but The Company Men is a solid film.

Just in case you were wondering the list of names involved with this movie are a who’s who of Hollywood: Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner, and Craig T. Nelson (COACH!). Tommy Lee Jones’ performance here is worth the price of admission alone. At times he carries the movie through its slower parts. He’s fantastic, and Affleck (surprisingly) isn’t all that bad either. Look out for this one at the end of October. It’ll be the movie going up against all the horror movies, getting crushed at the box office.

Nov. 24th

The King’s Speech – This is the first I’ve read anything about The King’s Speech. The exact synopsis, in my press notes states: “Based on the true story of the Queen of England’s father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue…”

By reading that I think you know if you’re interested or not. Let me put it this way, if you liked The Young Victoria, I’m sure this movie may be right up your alley. The one thing drawing me to this movie is its stellar cast: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, and Guy Pearce.

Dec. 31st – Limited

Blue Valentine – This is the other film that I saw at Sundance. Blue Valentine stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Willams as a married couple straining to find meaning in their relationship. Much like (500) Days of Summer, the story flies back and forth in time. We see them as a happy couple just starting the dating process together, and then we switch back to see what they’re like now and how different they treat each other. The movie really is heart-breaking, and Gosling gives another performance where you can hardly even tell it’s him. If Blue Valentine is playing near you when the time comes, please go see it. At times it’s tough to watch, but it’s a rewarding cinematic experience that will leave you wondering if the relationships in your life need work.

No huge blockbuster films here, but it seems Weinstein has picked a handful of well-made independent films to go up against some of the Fall’s box office juggernauts. You may have to search for most of these films at your local art house cinemas, but trust me, for most of them it’s worth the search.